People camping near school: 'Ain't nobody gonna hurt the kids'
EUGENE, Ore. -- Siva McMullin walks her 6-year-old daughter to school almost every day. But ever since school started a week ago, she said she's been welcomed by unpleasant visitors: a group of people camping a block from her daughter's school.
"It freaks me out," said McMullin. "It looks scary."
McMullin said she is sympathetic to homeless people because she used to live on the streets herself. She said these people need to pick a better place to park.
"I just think it shouldn't be right near a school," said McMullin.
KVAL News went to talk to the people living in the trailer.
A man came out. He did not want to give his name.
"I'm just a sick man who can't find a job and can't find a place to live," said the man. "Ain't nobody gonna hurt the kids."
For some the camping is unnerving. But is it legal?
Eugene Police Department Public Information Officer Melinda Kletzok said people cannot camp on public streets. Kletzok said when police get a call for illegal camping and there is no obvious threat or danger, they pass the call onto St. Vincent de Paul. St. Vincent contacts the camper and gives them other housing options.
St. Vincent de Paul said they've contacted the man to leave four times and told him he needs to move. Now, they've turned it back over to the Eugene Police Department. Police can then tow the trailer, fine the people and force them to leave.
